REVEALED: Men feel MORE pressure to be ‘in a relationship’ than single women

Almost three quarters of men (71per cent) admitted they felt more pressure than women (58 per cent) to start a new relationship, the latest research shows.

The study says that men suffer higher levels of loneliness and the findings challenge the traditional idea of the happy-go-lucky bachelor who is more suited to single life than his female equivalent.

Almost half of singles agree that being on your own is better than being in a bad relationship though many find not having a partner at Christmas challenging.

The findings of the investigation into modern attitudes to ‘singledom’ come from a new study by relationship experts eharmony and relationship support charity Relate, which uncovers what life is really like for singles in the UK today.

The findings reveal that both sexes are quick to champion the benefits that come with being single; personal independence (61 per cent), time for new hobbies (33 per cent), being free to do what you want on a night out (24 per cent) and even the freedom to enjoy new sexual relationships (10 per cent). 

In fact, two fifths (41 per cent) of respondents agree that they would rather be by themselves than with the wrong person.

Yet despite these many positives, single men still feel under significant pressure to find that special someone. 

In fact, contrary to popular perception, they feel more concerned about finding a partner than their female counterparts (71 per cent vs. 58 per cent).

Both genders also admit that being single can feel isolating at times. 

In fact, 77 per cent of British singles say they’ve experienced loneliness, and 45 per cent identified loneliness as a downside to being single. 

Single men were slightly more likely than women to say feeling lonely was a negative aspect about being single (47 per cent vs. 43 per cent).

Commenting on the findings, eharmony psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos says: “Surprising though it may seem, it’s single men rather than women who feel under more pressure to find a partner. 

“They also report higher levels of loneliness. This challenges the traditional idea of the happy-go-lucky bachelor who is more suited to single life than his female equivalent.

“The reality is that single women tend to be more robust on their own.”

As well as differences between genders, the report reveals that it’s younger generations who battle with being single the most. 

In fact, 18 to 24 year-olds are more likely to report feeling lonely than those aged 65+. 

And contrary to the commonly-held perception that younger Brits are driving the rise in casual dating, the research shows this category is more likely than older age groups to believe in the idea of finding ‘the one’.

The report also suggests that so-called swipe culture might be overwhelming singles with too many choices. 

One in seven (15 per cent) singles feel ‘overwhelmed’ by the current dating landscape, and one in ten (10 per cent) say the dating process had led them to feeling ‘burned out’.

Finally, when it comes to Christmas, singles have mixed feelings about being alone. 

One in ten dread being single during the festive period and a similar number feel upset and stressed. 

Plus, of those who feel blue about being single at Christmas, 33 per cent admit that being surrounded by family and friends in happy relationships is especially difficult at this time. 

Chris Sherwood, Chief executive at Relate said: “Whilst almost half of respondents said that feeling lonely was a downside to being single, it can also be an opportunity to learn about yourself and build independence. 

“It’s therefore a shame that so many single people, and especially men, are feeling pressure to settle down and find a new partner. 

“It’s important that we regard being single as a lifestyle choice which may change at any time and avoid making judgments about people’s relationship status.”